Whose baby is it? The impact of reproductive technologies on kinship

Abstract

Birth is not merely a biological event; it is also a social event in that it creates relationships. As a consequence of reproductive technologies, the boundaries between the biological and social basis of kinship have become blurred. Reproductive technologies challenge previously held cultural constructions of kinship and bring about new kinds of social relations in that kinship boundaries are redefined. This paper discusses the societal effects that reproductive technologies have had in challenging previously held notions of parenthood, kinship and relatedness.

Keywords:

• Reproductive technology
• egg donation
• sperm donation
• surrogacy
• blood ties
• kinship
• motherhood
• fatherhood
• relatedness
• relations

Notes

Statutes

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990).

Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Act (2003).

Cases

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust v (1) Mr A (2) Mrs A & 5 ORS (2003).